Replace Water Heater Element Without Draining

This is a specialty tool with a wide mouth designed to fit over the element s nut in a tight.

Replace water heater element without draining.

Change water heater elements without draining tanks. How to replace a heating element without draining the tank. Connect a garden hose to the water heater s drain valve and run the hose to a nearby floor drain or outdoors. However if you have a leak if your water heater is older than 8 12 years or you just wish to upgrade and cut your energy expense it is time for a new heater.

To drain a water heater start by turning it off and let the water cool for a few hours. Shut off power and drain the tank before removing the old elements and replacing them. Drain the tank. If you need to replace the heating element in your electric water heater you may be thinking that you need to first drain the tank.

Although keep in mind that it can be a bit more challenging. Similar to the way in which oven heating elements work the heating elements in a water heater heat up when electrical current passes through them. The water inside the tank may be over 120 degrees fahrenheit even with a failed. It is possible to change your water heater s heating element without draining your tank.

Slip a heating element wrench onto the element if your water heater has a screw in type element. Open the temperature and pressure relief valve on the side or top of the tank by flipping the lever to the open position this allows air into the tank to prevent suction that would inhibit draining. If you d like to give it a try the video below will show you how. Once the water in the heater has cooled turn the cold water intake valve off and run some hot water from a faucet in your house to empty out excess water in the pipes.